Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. The purpose of the program, as described at 24 CFR § 570.2, is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic activities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income.

Activities considered to benefit low-income persons are divided into four categories:

Areas benefit activities

Limited clientele activities

Housing activities

Job creation or retention activities.

Area benefit activities are those that serve a low-income geographic area of the County. These projects have included public facilities and improvements such as drainage improvements, streetlights, sewers, or park improvements.

Limited clientele activities include those that serve a group that at least 51% of which are low- income persons and those activities that are exclusively benefiting low-income persons. An example is the CONNECT Program for at-risk youth living in subsidized housing.

Housing activities include residential repairs, rehabilitation, homeownership assistance, and others. Eligibility is on an individual household income basis. Income eligibility limitations are based on household income limits published by HUD each year.

Job creation or retention activities are those that create or retain jobs for low-income persons. An example is the installation of off-site public facilities to facilitate the development of commercial or industrial sites. The owners of the property are required to agree to make their best effort to create or retain jobs for low-income persons.

Henrico County accepts proposals each year to implement programs that address the categories of activities described above. For more information about applying for CDBG funds please visit the CDBG, HOME, ESG Funding Application page.

For questions or technical assistance concerning any proposal for the use of CDBG funds please e-mail Geleene Goffena, CDBG Program Manager, or phone on (804) 501-7613.